There are many different types of automobile accidents that can happen on the road. While many people associate auto accidents solely with cars, they also occur with other vehicles as well. Truck accidents are some of the most dangerous types of accidents because they are so much larger than any other vehicle on the road. With the immense size and weight of a truck, they can often be difficult to control and stop. Trucks can weigh up to 30 times as much as a regular passenger car, which can cause considerable injuries as well as possibly death if they collide. If you have been involved in a truck accident, it is important to consult with an experienced attorney.
Types of Accidents
There are several ways a truck accident may occur. They may happen with other trucks or smaller passenger vehicles. How an accident takes place usually depends on the weight and size of both vehicles involved. Some examples of truck accidents include:
- Head-on collisions
- Rollover accidents
- Blind spot accidents
- Jackknife accidents
- Underride accidents
Causes of Accidents
There are many common factors that can lead to a truck accident. Reckless driving often leads to accidents on the road. If a truck is driving over the speed limit, it becomes more difficult for the driver to control because of the size and weight. An average truck requires roughly the length of two football fields to come to a complete stop. If a truck driver is speeding, it can be harder to come to a complete stop.
Speeding may also make it difficult to abide by safety regulations, including improper passing, unsafe lane changes, and following another vehicle too closely. Due to the massive size of trucks, their visibility is more limited than that of passenger vehicles. Drivers often have large blind spots that can trap another vehicle, leading to an accident.
A truck driver’s job requires many hours on the road. This leads to great exhaustion, which may also lead to fatigued driving. Drivers are limited to a certain amount of time on the road before they are legally required to stop. Despite this, truck drivers are often pressured to complete deliveries, causing them to drive while drowsy. Truck driving companies may be liable for an accident if they do not enforce driving rules.
Another possible contributing factor to truck accidents may be mechanical problems within the vehicle. This may include tire blowouts, brake issues, breakdowns, and more. These malfunctions can be avoided if the truck is properly maintained and taken care of. Sometimes liability falls on the company that owns the truck, while other times it may be a defective part that requires a product liability case instead.
Contact our Firm
If you or someone you know has been injured as a result of a truck accident and seek legal representation, contact The Law Office of Richard M. Kenny today.
Our entire legal team is dedicated to providing the advice you need and the personalized attention you deserve. Call 212-421-0300 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with a New York City personal injury lawyer.
